add-onshttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/5216/all
enOvernight Recap: Google Docs Add-Ons, Vevo SXSW, Verbs IM 3.0, Office Bloghttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_google_docs_addons_vevo_sxsw_verbs_im_30_office_blog
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/google_docs_add-ons_620px.png" alt="Google Docs add-ons" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Judging from our Twitter feed, last night's debut of iTunes Festival SXSW was a rousing success, with Apple executives among the ranks of those attending in Austin. And there are still four more days to go, which is plenty of time to tune into the Vevo website or iOS apps to catch more of the fun. That tidbit and more make up our Tuesday recap...</p><h3>Google Delivers Add-Ons for Docs, Sheets</h3><p>Everyone likes a little something extra, and now users of the cloud-based Google Docs and Sheets can spice up their experience as well. <a href="http://googledrive.blogspot.com/2014/03/add-ons.html" target="_blank">The Google Drive Blog announced Tuesday</a> the debut of a new Add-ons menu, which will expand the range of things users can do with their documents and spreadsheets. Just a few examples of new add-ons include Avery Label Merge, EasyBib Bibliography Creator, Merge by Mailchimp and Letter Feed Workflows, which aid the task of collecting approvals or feedback. Google promises there are "lots more on the way," which should help make Google Docs and Sheets a whole lot more like Microsoft Office as time goes on.</p><h3>Vevo Offers Another Way to Stream iTunes Festival SXSW</h3><p>No Apple TV and have a general aversion to downloading a separate app just to watch the iTunes Festival going down at SXSW? <a href="http://www.vevo.com/c/EN/US/news/itunes-festival-at-sxsw" target="_blank">Vevo announced Tuesday</a> that users of its iOS apps or website will also be able to tune into the proceedings -- but only if you're using the Mac version of Safari, for what should be fairly obvious reasons. Okay, so that's not really much better than just downloading the official iTunes Festival app since you can't watch from Windows or other mobile platforms, but free is free, and there's still four more nights of music to go, folks.</p><h3>Verbs IM Hits 3.0 with iOS 7 Support, No More In-App Purchases</h3><p>One of the better mobile instant messaging solutions for iOS is back, and judging from the release notes, it's better than ever.<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/verbs-im/id392501688?mt=8" target="_blank"> Verbs IM 3.0 </a>delivers Google Talk, AIM and Jabber chat to the iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, now with a fresh new look for iOS 7 and "completely rewritten server-side code." Chat messages now sync in real time across devices with file sharing support for both iCloud and Dropbox. Best of all, the former Verbs Pro in-app purchase is history, which means the developers are giving all users all of its features for a one-time payment of $2.99. That tapping noise you hear may be the sound of hundreds of users rushing to download it from the App Store...</p><h3>Microsoft Shuts Down Office for Mac Blog</h3><p>Lost amongst yesterday's news that a new version of Office for Mac is on the way was <a href="http://blog.officeformac.com/office-for-mac-blog-is-moving/" target="_blank">a brief announcement made Monday</a> on the official Microsoft blog: "The Office for Mac blog is moving," the post reads. "You’ll still be able to access previous Office for Mac posts here, but as of today, no new posts will appear." The move appears to be nothing more than a little housecleaning on Microsoft's website, since the Office for Mac blog is winding up being rolled into the all-encompassing <a href="http://blogs.office.com/?filter=true&amp;filter-product=office-for-mac" target="_blank">Office Blogs</a>, which now include a specific searchable option for Mac users. RIP Office for Mac Blog, and here's hoping you won't forget about us once the new version hits later this year.</p><h3>Rumors of Flappy Bird's Demise May Be Greatly Exaggerated</h3><p><a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/the-flight-of-the-birdman-flappy-bird-creator-dong-nguyen-speaks-out-20140311" target="_blank"><em>Rolling Stone</em> published a sprawling interview</a> with Flappy Bird creator Dong Nguyen, the man many gamers have come to hate after he pulled their favorite mobile game for being too addictive. That's a somewhat ironic move considering the 28-year-old Vietnamese developer is described as a "chain-smoking geek," but there's hope yet for that bird to flap its wings in the App Store again. "I'm considering it," Nguyen says, but adds that any rerelease would come with a disclaimer reminding players to "please take a break." The full interview will appear in the March 27 issue.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_google_docs_addons_vevo_sxsw_verbs_im_30_office_blog#commentsNewsadd-onsBlogsflappy birdGoogle DocsGoogle DriveiTunes FestivalOffice for Macovernight recapSXSWVerbs IMVEVOiPadiPhoneiPodMacWed, 12 Mar 2014 12:31:47 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19533 at http://www.maclife.comReaddle Unveils All-New Documents 5, Now Integrates with Other iPad Appshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/readdle_unveils_allnew_documents_5_now_integrates_other_ipad_apps
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/documents_5_add-ons_620px.png" alt="Documents 5 add-ons" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Although Apple has working hard filling out the capabilities of iOS over the years (remember when there was no copy and paste?), the lack of true file management continues to be an issue -- and one Readdle hopes to crack with its latest update.<br /><br /><a href="http://readdle.com/blog/2014/02/documents-5-will-create-an-interconnected-ecosystem-of-ios-apps/" target="_blank">Readdle announced the release of Documents 5 on Thursday</a>, a major update to the free file manager, document viewer and media player now in use by more than three million iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users around the globe.<br /><br />With the latest update, Readdle aims to unify its entire suite of productivity apps around Documents 5 with "add-ons," which allow users to perform additional tasks from the iPad version when other Readdle apps are present on the same device.<br /><br />For example, a file being viewed in Documents 5 can now be converted to PDF with just a tap by hooking into the company's PDF Converter app. Likewise, Printer Pro users will have access to the full complement of options available while using Documents 5.<br /><br />At this writing, add-on integration is exclusive to the iPad, and support for the company's Scanner Pro app will arrive in a future update. But the ability to work directly with PDF Expert and other apps will certainly remove a major pain point that Apple still hasn't addressed with iOS.<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/documents-5-by-readdle/id364901807?mt=8" target="_blank">Documents 5</a> also adopts the new look and feel of iOS 7 with a completely new file manager, the ability to drag and drop files anywhere, a new Favorites sidebar, color tags, background downloads and support for Windows SMB shares. The free, universal app is now available to download from the App Store.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/readdle_unveils_allnew_documents_5_now_integrates_other_ipad_apps#commentsNewsadd-onsApp StoreDocumentsDocuments 5free appsiOS 7PDF ConverterPDF ExpertPrinter ProreaddleUniversal AppsiPadiPhoneiPodThu, 27 Feb 2014 14:51:05 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19436 at http://www.maclife.comWindows 8 Makes DVD Playback a Paid Option, Could OS X Be Next?http://www.maclife.com/article/news/windows_8_makes_dvd_playback_paid_option_could_os_x_be_next
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/windows_8_start_menu_200px.png" alt="Windows 8 Start menu" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />With all of the recent chatter about new MacBook Pro models sans optical disc drive, it’s not hard to imagine that a discless future lies ahead. Apparently, Microsoft agrees, as they’ve let slip that Windows 8 will not only ship without Media Center but also without DVD player software as well.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/5/4/2998106/windows-8-drops-dvd-playback-media-center-upgrade?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">The Verge is reporting</a> that Microsoft has decided to make its Media Center software a paid upgrade in Windows 8, and that includes the ability to play DVDs. Claiming that optical disc use on computers is “in sharp decline,” Redmond will ship its latest operating system later this year without either of these once-major features.<br /><br />The reasoning behind the move is merely dollars and cents -- as in, the “significant amount in royalties” that Microsoft is required to pay to include optical media playback support. Instead, Windows 8 will focus more heavily on online media, with support for H.264, VC-1, MP4, AAC, WMA, MP3, PCM and Dolby Digital Plus codecs.<br /><br />Sure, the primary use of Dolby Digital these days is for playing back AC3-encoded audio from video DVDs, but apparently nobody told the folks in Redmond. Media Center itself will be available only as an additional purchase after installing Windows 8, available from the new “Add Features to Windows 8” control panel -- although the company isn’t saying how much that will set you back just yet.<br /><br />Could Apple follow suit with the same sinister scheme in OS X Mountain Lion? That doesn’t appear to be the case thus far, and Cupertino historically isn’t one to try to gouge its users with extra costs (notable past exceptions include QuickTime Pro and that odd accounting quirk that forced iPod touch owners to pay for iOS updates).<br /><br />Meanwhile, the market for free and inexpensive third-party DVD player software on Windows is likely to get a nice boost later this year, while OS X Mountain Lion users will continue with business as usual -- at least for now.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/windows_8_makes_dvd_playback_paid_option_could_os_x_be_next#commentsNewsadd-onsDolby DigitalDVDMedia CenterMicrosoftOS X Mountain Lionpaid upgradesplaybackWindows 8MacFri, 04 May 2012 11:43:10 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13989 at http://www.maclife.com6 Safari Extensions to Help You Surf the Web Better http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/6_safari_extensions_help_you_surf_web_better
<!--paging_filter--><p>Safari 5 has given us plenty of reasons to steer clear of Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome and with the addition of extensions late last year, it's become a mecca for third-party developers looking to get their app to other browsers. However, no matter how much we love the browser for its intrinsic simplicity, we can't help but notice that sometimes it needs a little booster to do things the way we like them done. Here are six Safari extensions that are worth the download to make your internet browsing experience a little simpler.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/6_safari_extensions_help_you_surf_web_better#commentsGalleryNewsadd-onsAppsbrowsersfree appsSafarisafari 5Safari ExtensionsMacHow-TosMon, 21 Nov 2011 17:41:53 +0000Florence Ion12832 at http://www.maclife.com 10 Must Have Google Chrome Apps for Mac Usershttp://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/10_must_have_google_chrome_apps_mac_users
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u300425/apps.png" width="620" height="247" class="graphic-right" /></p> <p>Whether you use Google Chrome or not, you're most certainly familiar with web-apps -- functional sites that you can use in lieu of the apps in your dock. Chrome has made these sites particularly handy by making them easily accessible through your Chrome home screen and easily searchable through the Google Web Store. And, as with any other app store, there are lots of amazing apps in the Google Web Store, and some that are just plain worthless. Here's a round up of the best Chrome apps for Mac users. And, if we missed any of your favorites, let us know in the comments!</p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/10_must_have_google_chrome_apps_mac_users#commentsGalleryadd-onsAppsbrowserschromeGoogleWeb AppsWed, 24 Aug 2011 18:20:10 +0000Ambika Subramony12122 at http://www.maclife.com20 Extraordinary Third-Party Peripherals for iPhone and iPadhttp://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/20_extraordinary_thirdparty_peripherals_iphone_and_ipad
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u300425/peeluniversalremote.jpg" width="200" height="167" class="graphic-right" /></p><p>With every iOS device comes a slew of iOS accessories. This gallery features some of the most interesting and extravagant ones out there, as well as a few you might actually decide to buy. Either way, they all take your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the next level.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/20_extraordinary_thirdparty_peripherals_iphone_and_ipad#commentsGalleryaccessoriesadd-onsInput DevicesiPadiphoneiPhone HardwarePeripheralsiPadiPhoneWed, 25 May 2011 17:30:48 +0000Ambika Subramony11093 at http://www.maclife.comPortal 2’s First Add-On Announced for This Summerhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/portal_2%E2%80%99s_first_addon_announced_summer
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/portal_2_box_200px.jpg" alt="Portal 2 box" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Gamers, start your engines: Valve has just announced the first add-on for this year’s highest-rated, multi-platform game. That’s right, Portal 2 DLC #1 is now in development and targeted for release this summer.<br /><br />Valve announced on Friday that they are developing Portal 2 DLC #1, the first game add-on for the highly rated multi-platform title. The developers of such best-selling game franchises as Half-Life, Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress and Counter-Strike will offer “new test chambers for players, leaderboards, challenge mode for single and multiplayer modes, and more” for Portal 2.<br /><br />In a sort of “good news, bad news” kind of scenario, Valve will be offering Portal 2 DLC #1 free of charge for the Mac, PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 -- but you’ll have to wait until sometime this summer to get your hands on it. Sadly, Valve isn’t saying when, but fans can keep tabs on the release at the <a href="http://www.l4d.com/" target="_blank">company’s website</a>.<br /><br />Billed as “a hilariously mind-bending adventure that challenges you to use wits over weaponry in a funhouse of diabolical science,” Portal 2 was released on April 19 and is currently ranked as the top rated multi-platform game of 2011, according to its Metacritic score of 95 percent.<br /><br />Featuring expansive single and cooperative multiplayer game modes, Portal 2 also shot up to the number one spot in the U.K., Germany and the Nordic countries -- all in its first week of availability. Valve proudly claims that Portal 2 is the fastest-selling game in their arsenal since Half-Life 2.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/portal_2%E2%80%99s_first_addon_announced_summer#commentsNewsadd-onsGamingMac OS XmultiplayerPortal 2Summer 2011ValveMacFri, 29 Apr 2011 20:43:49 +0000J.R. Bookwalter10818 at http://www.maclife.comThe 10 Best Google Chrome Extensions http://www.maclife.com/article/features/10_best_google_chrome_extensions
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u53/googlechrome_1.jpg" width="552" height="349" /></p><p>Chrome is a worthy competitor to Safari. Not only do they run the same rendering engine underneath the hood--WebKit--but Chrome extensions are far more developed and can oftentimes provide a richer experience to the user. With Chrome becoming a major player in the browser wars, we cherry picked the ten best extensions for this powerful browser from Google. <br /><br /></p><h3>1. <a href="http://www.rapportive.com" target="_blank">Rapportive</a></h3><h3><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u12635/rapportive_chrome_ext_0.jpg"><img src="/files/u12635/rapportive_chrome_ext_0.jpg" width="610" height="392" class="thickbox" /></a></h3><p>Emails are a great communication medium, but don’t often provide the neccessary information about the person that sent you the message. That’s where Rapportive comes in. <br /><br />When using the Gmail web interface to manage your email, Rapportive lets you see exactly who sent you an email. Just click on any email, and in the new pane that displays on the right side of the page you’ll be able to see the following information about a particular email address: <br /><br />- The person’s name and a picture <br />- Where they’re located<br />- What they do (such as their job, company, and LinkedIn Profile) <br />- Their online activity (activity on social networking websites) <br /><br />Of course, the validity of the information relies on the sender themselves. But this app is helpful if you’re managing a company and want to keep track of people within, like clients and freelancers.<br /><br /></p><h3>2. <a href="https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/nnbmlagghjjcbdhgmkedmbmedengocbn" target="_blank">Docs PDF/PowerPoint Viewer</a></h3><h3><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u12635/docsviewer_chrome_ext.jpg"><img src="/files/u12635/docsviewer_chrome_ext.jpg" width="610" height="392" class="thickbox" /></a></h3><p>Docs PDF/PowerPoint Viewer by Google takes the waiting game out of the picture and pushes the document right to the printer. When installed, this extension lets you select which files types are accessible, including .doc, .docx, .pdf, .pps, .ppt, .tif, and .tiff. In addition, you can specify websites that shouldn’t respond to this extension; this is helpful for school or work sites where you may actually want to download a file onto your computer.<br /><br />To use this extension, navigate to any file you want to view, then click on it as you normally would. You will be automatically transferred to Google Docs and the document you clicked on will be loaded. Pretty nifty, huh? <br /><br /></p><h3>3. <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ehohhddamheegbbkabfgegbaeminghlb#" target="_blank">exfm</a></h3><p><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u12635/exfm_chrome_ext.jpg"><img src="/files/u12635/exfm_chrome_ext.jpg" width="610" height="392" class="thickbox" /></a></p><p>Long gone are the days of asking yourself what songs you were just listening to. Just click on the exfm icon in the toobar to pop open a new tab containing your library of index files. Exfm runs in the background and indexes all of the mp3 files that you come across while browsing the ‘tubes. Song files can also be queued up and you can access them later at your convenience.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>4. <a href="https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/jggheggpdocamneaacmfoipeehedigia" target="_blank">Readability Redux</a></h3><h3><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u12635/readability_redux.jpg"><img src="/files/u12635/readability_redux.jpg" width="610" height="388" class="thickbox" /></a></h3><p>The Readability Redux plug-in for Chrome emulates the Reader in Safari. Once installed, you can press the plug-in icon on the menu bar to have the page instantly transformed into an easy-to-read, distraction-free, and ad-free page.<br /><br />In the options for the Readability Redux plugin, you can set different styles, text sizes, margins, and other options, including the ability to convert links to footnotes. <br /><br /><br /></p><h3>5. <a href="https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/nlbpiflhmdcklcbihngeffpmoklbiooj" target="_blank">Decreased Productivity</a></h3><h3><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u12635/decreased_productivity_2.png"><img src="/files/u12635/decreased_productivity_2.png" width="610" height="388" class="thickbox" /></a></h3><p>Never worry again about where that shortened link will take you. With Decreased Productivity installed, you can safely--and discreetly--browse the web, without fear of who might be peering over your shoulder.</p><p><img src="/files/u12635/decreased_productivity_1.png" width="286" height="201" class="thickbox" /><br /><br />With the plug-in installed, simply right-click on any link and select the “Safely open in new tab” option. A new tab will open and the plug-in will dim the background and all images, leaving only the text and links completely visible. To view an image, roll your mouse over it. <br /><br />If the website turns out to be safe to view, click on the small coffee cup icon in the address bar to load the page as it would normally be displayed. <br /><br /></p><h3>6. <a href="https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/aoiidodopnnhiflaflbfeblnojefhigh" target="_blank">PriceBlink</a></h3><h3><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u12635/priceblink_chrome_ext.jpg"><img src="/files/u12635/priceblink_chrome_ext.jpg" width="610" height="400" class="thickbox" /></a></h3><p>PriceBlink is non-obtrusive, meaning that it won’t show until you’re browsing a product page on a retailer. If PriceBlink recognizes the product, a yellow bar will pop-up at the top of the page you’re browsing to let you know if you have found the lowest price or not. There will also be a drop-down menu containing prices from competing retailers. <br /><br /></p><h3>7. <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/laankejkbhbdhmipfmgcngdelahlfoji" target="_blank">StayFocused</a></h3><h3><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u12635/stayfocused_blocked.png"><img src="/files/u12635/stayfocused_blocked.png" width="610" height="377" class="thickbox" /></a></h3><p>When browsing the web, you can often get lost in the barrage of sites you need to check. When you need to get some work done, however, there’s a plug-in called StayFocused, which lets you block certain websites for a certain period of time.</p><p><img src="/files/u12635/stayfocused_chrome_ext.png" width="442" height="202" /><br /><br />In the settings for StayFocused, you can set the maximum time allowed, active days, active hours, daily reset time, blocked sites, allowed sites, and even a nuclear option that will block all sites for a given length of time. <br /><br /></p><h3>8. <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/bbcnbpafconjjigibnhbfmmgdbbkcjfi" target="_blank">Session Manager</a></h3><h3><img src="/files/u12635/sessionmanager_chrome_ext.png" width="449" height="295" /></h3><p>The most frustrating thing is when your computer needs a restart and you've got too many tabs open to keep accounted for. Fortunately, there's Session Manager, which lets you save the current session, consisting of all opened windows and tabs. After you’ve saved a session, you will have the option to open a saved session, rename a session name, or remove the session.<br /><br /></p><h3>9. <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ncgcgghbabbopfcpgcjpfffdgnbadegf" target="_blank">Aviary Screen Capture</a></h3><h3><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u12635/screen_shot_2010-12-13_at_4.24.07_pm.png"><img src="/files/u12635/screen_shot_2010-12-13_at_4.24.07_pm.png" width="610" height="400" class="thickbox" /></a></h3><p>A great tool for web developers or websites wanting to show off (or advertise) their site, Aviary Screen Capture will let you capture either the visible portion of the web page, or the entire web page. <br /><br />After you’ve taken the screen capture, the Aviary image editor will open up allowing you to edit the image in your web browser or save the image to your computer. As a bonus, this plug-in gives you shortcuts to the entire suite of <a href="http://www.aviary.com/home" target="_blank">Aviary</a> browser-based editing tools.<br /><br /></p><h3>10. <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/pfneigogocifpmjngcpbhfmjhbckjcao" target="_blank">Are You Watching This?! Sports</a></h3><h3><img src="/files/u12635/are_you_watching_this.png" width="426" height="526" /></h3><p>Are you a sports addict, and always on the prowl for the latest scores? If so, then the Are You Watching This?! Sports Chrome extension may just be what you’re looking for. Despite the long name, this plug-in is relatively simple. It shows you Scores, News, and TV Listings for Arena Football, Auto Racing (NASCAR, F1, IRL), Men's College Basketball, Women's College Basketball, College Football, MLB, NBA, NFL, CFL, NHL, Soccer (MLS and World Cup), and the WNBA.<br /><br />From the small drop-down list in the extensions tool bar, you can instantly see the current scores and news for your favorite teams. The plug-in also gives you the ability to view the channel that the game is currently live on. Just hop over to the options to set your viewing area and TV service provider.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Want more?</h3><p>Check out all of the Chrome extensions on the <a href="https://chrome.google.com/extensions/" target="_blank">Chrome Extension gallery website</a>. And don't forget to leave us a comment telling us your favorite Chrome extension. We always like hearing about new add-ons to make our browsing more enjoyable.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/features/10_best_google_chrome_extensions#commentsadd-onsbrowserchromeextensionsGoogleweb browserFeaturesMacTue, 14 Dec 2010 19:38:12 +0000Cory Bohon9204 at http://www.maclife.com57 Ways To Supercharge Your Browserhttp://www.maclife.com/article/feature/57_ways_supercharge_your_browser
<!--paging_filter--><table border="0" align="right"><tbody><tr><td><script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[
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// ]]></script><p>&nbsp;</p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>&nbsp;</p><h3>If you only use your browser to, well, browse the web, you have not yet begun to harness its power. Learn how extensions and bookmarklets can throw the doors of the internet wide open.</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u129772/2010/05/magic_full.jpg"><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/magic_380_0.jpg" width="380" height="493" /></a><br /><br />Your web browser can Google, it can YouTube, and it can even Twitter, but if that’s all you’re doing with it, you haven’t scratched the surface of its potential. A universe of extensions and bookmarklets is out there, and these free software add-ons give your browser the power to remove ads, reshuffle web pages to your liking, speed up your downloads, rip videos, and perform other wizardly feats. You can even get into the act with Mobile Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already armed with a suite of your favorite extensions, our guide to the best browser add-ons will transform your time surfing. It’ll practically feel like magic.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Mac Extensions</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It’s an exciting time to surf the web on a Mac. No, really! We’ve never had so many top-notch browsers to choose from. But as good as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari are, each can be made even better with extensions. (Wondering what this extension business is all about? Navigate to <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/feature/57_ways_supercharge_your_browser?page=0,4"><strong>our beginner’s guide</strong>.</a>) The right extension can improve your browser’s existing features and even add new ones. We’ve picked the most useful extensions no Mac user should be without, and then we unearthed some hidden gems you that’ll help you work easier and play harder online.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Power Surfer's Toolkit: You’ll surf smarter and faster with these must-have extensions. Don’t leave your homepage without them.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>FreshStart</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/1_freshstart_622.jpg" width="622" height="476" /><br /><strong>Save your current session or restore an old one.</strong><br /><br />This simple extension saves all tabs in a window (or just the ones you check) in sessions you can restore later. Sessions are saved with the date and custom names in a convenient dropdown window. Cooler still, FreshStart backs up all your windows and tabs at timed intervals to protect your browsing against crashes.<br /><br /><em>Compatible with: Chrome </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/nmidkjogcjnnlfimjcedenagjfacpobb" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/ye7k4m6</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>GreaseMonkey</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Don’t like how a webpage works? Get Greasemonkey. With it and some of the thousands of Greasespot scripts available online, you can make your favorite pages do your bidding. Want to strip ads out of Facebook? There’s a script for that. And Chrome users, set your faces to smug--most Greasespot scripts install in your browser without any extra extensions.<br /><br /><em>Compatible with: Chrome, Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://www.greasespot.net" target="_blank">greasespot.net</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Docs PDF/PowerPoint Viewer</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chrome’s PDF support is a little…nonexistent. Bring Google’s shiny new browser into the 21st century with this extension that displays PDFs and PowerPoint files as Google Docs right in your Chrome window.<br /><br /><em>Compatible with: Chrome </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/nnbmlagghjjcbdhgmkedmbmedengocbn" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/ydx44tn</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Shareaholic</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shareaholic lets you broadcast to a zillion blogs and social networking sites, squash long URLs, and even email links to friends like folks did back in olden times. Don’t worry about running out of things to share—Shareaholic brings you the latest news from Twitter, OneRiot, and Buzzster as you browse.<br /><br /><em>Compatible with: Chrome, Firefox, Safari </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://www.shareaholic.com" target="_blank">shareaholic.com</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Xmarks</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Xmarks syncs and backs up bookmarks automatically across multiple computers and browsers. Better still, you can assign profiles (Work and Home, for instance) to browsers so only certain sets of bookmarks are synced. That’s handy if you don’t want business and pleasure links to mix on the same machine.<br /><br /><em>Compatible with: Chrome, Firefox, Safari </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://www.xmarks.com" target="_blank">xmarks.com</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>ClickToFlash</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>ClickToFlash doesn’t just block Flash, it manages it. A click loads an individual Flash element, all Flash on a page, or adds the current domain to ClickToFlash’s list of unblocked sites with Flash content you want to play normally.<br /> <br /><em>Compatible with: Safari </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://rentzsch.github.com/clicktoflash/" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/laoc8q</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>1Password</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>1Password is a Mac application and extension combo that saves login and form data as you surf, guarding it all with one password. It also generates strong passwords for secure sites and syncs them--with form data, credit card numbers, notes, and more--across multiple browsers and Macs. Better still, your sensitive data is secured in style with 1Password’s beautiful interface.<br /> <br /><em>Compatible with: Firefox, Safari </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://www.agilewebsolutions.com" target="_blank">agilewebsolutions.com</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>DownThemAll!</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/2_downthemall_622.jpg" width="622" height="523" /><br /><strong>Grab a page's downloads quickly and easily.</strong><br /><br />DownThemAll accelerates your downloads, retries stalled attempts, and grabs all a page’s downloadable files with just a few clicks. Oh, and that acceleration? Our demo download crept along at 40kbps until DownThemAll gobbled up the same file at a smokin’ 150kbps.<br /> <br /><em>Compatible with: Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://www.downthemall.net" target="_blank">downthemall.net</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>StumbleUpon</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>StumbleUpon helps you find sites you didn’t know you liked. Just browse normally and rate sites with a thumbs up or down, or browse StumbleUpon categories that interest you. Soon StumbleUpon will know enough about you to recommend web pages that are right up your alley.<br /> <br /><em>Compatible with: Chrome, Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com" target="_blank">stumbleupon.com</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>PriceTrace Toolbar</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/3_price_622.jpg" width="622" height="512" /><br /><strong>Always get the best deal.</strong><br /> <br /> Attention, Kmart.com shoppers--and shoppers at over 40 other online stores. PriceTrace Toolbar lets you instantly compare an item’s price, view price trends, and subscribe to price alerts with a click. If you want to save money, put PriceTrace on the case.<br /> <br /><em>Compatible with: Chrome, Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://www.pricetrace.com" target="_blank">pricetrace.com</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/feature/57_ways_supercharge_your_browser?page=0,1"><em><strong>Next Page: Cool Browser Tricks &gt;&gt;</strong></em></a></p><hr /><h2>Cool Browser Tricks</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>You think different, why not browse different? After all, there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all web.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Firefox Environment Backup Extension</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>FEBE backs up and restores Firefox extensions, bookmarks, passwords, and more to every computer in your life, saving time when fine-tuning multiple Firefox installs. You can copy your extras to local disks or send them to the cloud with built-in Box.net integration. There’s nothing feeble about FEBE.<br /> <br /><em>Compatible with: Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://www.softwarebychuck.com/febe/febe.html" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/y9293md</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>RSS Subscription</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This extension lets you subscribe to RSS feeds with a click in Chrome’s address bar. Google Reader is the default, but you can use Google, Bloglines, My Yahoo, or another online service to get your RSS fix.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Chrome </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/nlbjncdgjeocebhnmkbbbdekmmmcbfjd" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/yjbshqs</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Chrome Themes</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u129772/2010/05/4_chrometheme_full.jpg"><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/4_chrometheme_380.jpg" width="380" height="305" /></a></p><p>Themes alter Chrome’s look to suit your mood--whether that means Mariah Carey or Infected Mushroom is your call. Find a look you like, click its Install button, and you’re good to go. When your mood changes, you can drop back to the default appearance in Chrome’s preferences.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Chrome </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="https://tools.google.com/chrome/intl/en/themes/index.html" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/mucqd6</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Send From Gmail</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Send From Gmail lets you mail links to your current page via Gmail. Cooler still, it makes email addresses embedded in web pages launch a new Gmail window when clicked, instead of activating your old-fashioned desktop mail client. If you live in Gmail, Send From Gmail.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Chrome </em><em>·</em><em> <a href="https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/pgphcomnlaojlmmcjmiddhdapjpbgeoc" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/ye2toyj</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>TabExposé</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/5_tabex_622.jpg" width="622" height="389" /><br /><strong>It's like Exposé for your tabs--get it?</strong><br /><br />TabExposé tidies a window of cluttered tabs just like OS X’s Exposé cleans up your Desktop. A toolbar button (or customizable hotkey) sends your pages zooming into view. Your browsing will be so…how you say…elegant.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Safari </em><em>·</em><em> <a href="http://www.cocoamug.com" target="_blank">cocoamug.com</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>FastestFox</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>FastestFox is a potpourri of browser boosters that give you context-click web searches, Google search results in the address bar, a configurable bookmark launcher, and much more. Pick and choose which features you want and let your browser do the work faster.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Chrome, Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/9825/" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/af2v5t</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Evernote Web Clipper</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Evernote Web Clipper lets you add links, text, and images to your Evernote account from wherever you are on the web. Just don’t forget to check in with Evernote for OS X to get the big picture. Better write yourself a note to be sure.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Chrome, Firefox, Safari </em><em>·</em><em> <a href="http://www.evernote.com/about/download/web_clipper.php" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/m4z9gz</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Google Mail Checker Plus</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Google Mail Checker Plus’s toolbar icon displays your unread message count, new Gmail message alerts, and lets you preview new mail or mark it as spam. You can even load full messages in a mini-window and compose a reply without leaving your current page.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Chrome </em><em>·</em><em> <a href="https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gffjhibehnempbkeheiccaincokdjbfe" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/yd8u55k</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Tab Mix Plus</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/6_tabmix_622.jpg" width="622" height="440" /><br /><strong>My name is Firefox, and I'm a tab-aholic.</strong><br /><br />Tab Mix Plus adds rows of tabs to Firefox windows, keeps track of unread tabs by styling their titles to stand out from the pack, and much more. Its session manager even saves your tabs for later when you can’t bear to close them. It’s a treasure trove of tab tools at your fingertips.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> <a href="http://tmp.garyr.net/" target="_blank">tmp.garyr.net</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Yoono</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Yoono lets you flit among multiple social networking and media sites in a collapsible sidebar where you can also search for YouTube videos, Wikipedia articles, and Amazon bargains while gabbing with friends. Why open another window again?<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> <a href="http://yoono.com/" target="_blank">yoono.com</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Integrated Gmail</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you use Google’s services regularly, put them all in a single window with Integrated Gmail. Just log in to Gmail and get Google Calendar, Maps, Notebook, and more through unobtrusive, collapsible icons. Why didn’t Google do this first?<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> <a href="http://www.integratedgmail.com" target="_blank">integratedgmail.com</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>CosmoPod</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/8_cosmo_622.jpg" width="622" height="449" /><br /><strong>Download a YouTube video or nine.</strong><br /> <br /> CosmoPod converts Flash and other non-QuickTime web videos to iTunes-compatible files--and even rips DVDs--in preset formats for the iPhone and other iDevices. Videos can be tagged before export to iTunes, and CosmoPod even recognizes your Elgato Turbo.264 devices to cut conversion times. Think of it as a little HandBrake DNA spliced into Safari.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Safari </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://www.cocoamug.com" target="_blank">cocoamug.com</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>FlashBlock</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>FlashBlock lets you allow Flash on your current site, disable it entirely, and add sites to a list of sites with Flash content you want to allow. If you think Flash takes the shine off Chrome, FlashBlock is for you.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Chrome </em><em>·</em><em> <a href="https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gofhjkjmkpinhpoiabjplobcaignabnl" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/ye5srym</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Personas Plus</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/7_personas_622.jpg" width="622" height="452" /><br /><strong>Skin your browser with nifty designs.</strong><br /> <br /> Spice up Firefox windows with a persona makeover. These themes are easy to apply from getpersonas.com, but for more options, install the Personas Plus extension. It lets you switch personas right from your Firefox window.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/10900/" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/cu4y2b</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>RSS Ticker</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>RSS Ticker scrolls Live Bookmarks beneath your toolbar or at the bottom of the page. Mouse over items to see more information, then click to open the article in a new tab. You’ll never be at a loss for cocktail party conversation.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> <a href="http://www.chrisfinke.com/addons/rss-ticker/" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/5suwzf</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Glims</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/9_glims_622.jpg" width="622" height="470" /><br /><strong>Extend the search box beyond Google.</strong><br /> <br /> Glims adds multiple search engines to Safari’s search field, web page previews to Google search results, favicons to tabs, and a full-screen mode to Cupertino’s favorite browser. Features can be customized or turned off entirely to suit your needs.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Safari </em><em>·</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://www.machangout.com" target="_blank">machangout.com</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>LastPass</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>LastPass secures usernames, passwords, and notes with one password—the last one you’ll ever need—to let you access them across multiple browsers in a friendly web interface. If you can’t run 1Password or you just want a free solution to your security needs, don’t pass on LastPass.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Chrome, Firefox, Safari </em><em>·</em><em> <a href="http://www.lastpass.com" target="_blank">lastpass.com</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>History Tree</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/10_history_622.jpg" width="622" height="380" /><br /><strong>Extend the search box beyond Google.</strong><br /> <br />History Tree displays your history as a flowchart complete with screenshots, page names, and more. Search pages’ descriptions, reopen old pages in new tabs, and fine-tune your settings in a full-screen window. You’ll never look at browsing the same way again.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> </em><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addons/versions/5890" target="_blank"><em>tinyurl.com/n4svje</em></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Adblock Plus</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Install Adblock Plus, and your browsing will be free of unwanted ads. Block them all, Control-click specific ads to keep them from loading, or allow certain sites to keep displaying important messages from sponsors--like MacLife.com, for instance.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> <a href="http://www.adblockplus.org" target="_blank">adblockplus.org</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Cooliris</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/11_cooliris_622.jpg" width="622" height="435" /><br /><strong>Flip through images in Cover Flow fashion, thanks to Cooliris.</strong><br /> <br />Cooliris turns YouTube, Facebook, Google Images, and other sites into Cover Flow–like 3D galleries. It even recognizes and displays your iPhoto library in the same slick style.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Chrome, Firefox, Safari </em><em>·</em><em> </em><a href="http://www.cooliris.com" target="_blank"><em>cooliris.com</em></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>SafariSource</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/12_source_622.jpg" width="622" height="522" /><br /><strong>Flip through images in Cover Flow fashion, thanks to Cooliris.</strong><br /> <br />If Safari’s plain black View Source text has you seeing red, try SafariSource. It lets you customize source text and colorize tags, comments, and other elements to make them easier to read. If only learning HTML was this simple.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Safari </em><em>·</em><em> </em><a href="http://www.tildesoft.com/Misc.html" target="_blank"><em>tinyurl.com/2pltoo</em></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Glubble</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/13_glubble_622.jpg" width="622" height="389" /><br /><strong>Share with your family, not random weirdos on Facebook.</strong><br /> <br />Glubble is like your family’s private Facebook. Family members can log in to send messages, share photos, and schedule activities. Better yet, Glubble lets kids surf safely by limiting their access to sites that were approved by Mom and Dad.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> </em><a href="http://www.glubble.com" target="_blank"><em>glubble.com</em></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>FireBug</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/14_firebug_622.jpg" width="622" height="453" /><br /><strong>Because every page could use a little tinkering.</strong><br /> <br />Firebug puts a web development toolbox in your Firefox window. Edit HTML, fine-tune CSS, and much more in a simple, easy-to-read interface. Now there’s no excuse not to write the next great American webpage.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> </em><a href="http://www.getfirebug.com" target="_blank"><em>getfirebug.com</em></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Fox Splitter</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/15_splitter_622.jpg" width="622" height="349" /><br /><strong>Three pages open side-by-side--looks a little odd, but maybe you'll love it anyhow.</strong><br /> <br /> Why view just one page when Fox Splitter can divide your window into multiple panes with a click? Keep your web mail or calendar at the ready as you surf, compare multiple versions of the same page, or just make modern art as you browse.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> </em><a href="http://piro.sakura.ne.jp/xul/_splitbrowser.html.en" target="_blank"><em>tinyurl.com/24n3ct</em></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>TooManyTabs</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/16_toomany_622.jpg" width="622" height="497" /><br /><strong>A dumping ground for tabs.</strong><br /> <br />Don’t close tabs--tuck them away. TooManyTabs frees up RAM by letting you nest tabs in a special menu to retrieve and reload later. Chrome’s extension lets you search saved pages; Firefox’s offers better organization. Whichever you choose, you’ll be browsing better.<br /> <br /> <em>Compatible with: Chrome, Firefox </em><em>·</em><em> </em><a href="http://www.visibotech.com/TMTChrome" target="_blank"><em>visibotech.com/TMTChrome</em></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/feature/57_ways_supercharge_your_browser?page=0,2"><em><strong>Next Page: Mac Bookmarklets &gt;&gt;</strong></em></a></p><hr /><h2>Mac Bookmarklets</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Like rabbits you pull out of your bookmarks toolbar, these little snippets of code have lots of useful tricks up their sleeves.</strong><br /><br />Besides just being a fun word to say, a bookmarklet is a snippet of JavaScript that you can store in your browser’s bookmarks bar, just like a regular URL. When you click it, it’ll perform some kind of action on the page you’re viewing, instead of taking you to a new page. They’re fun, they’re free, most work in all browsers, and if you know some JavaScript, you can even program your own. Until then, we’ll get you started with some super-useful bookmarklets that’ll add some magic to your web surfing. We’ll also make it easy to find these bookmarklets by posting them online at maclife.com/bookmarklets, where they’re ready to be dragged to your toolbar.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Share on Facebook</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>When you find a thought-provoking article, amazing video, or hilarious photo of a cat, click this bookmarklet for a pop-up window that lets you post a link to your Facebook profile, optionally adding your own two cents too. Use it judiciously--a handful of truly excellent links per week will make your friends think you’re King of the Internet.<em> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share_options.php" target="_blank">facebook.com/share_options.php</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Readability</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/18_readability_380.jpg" width="380" height="189" /><br /><strong>Make any site more readable--even MacLife.com.</strong><br /><br />This slick bookmarklet makes articles and other text-heavy pages easier on the eyes by stripping away all the ads and clutter, so you feel like you’re reading a document in a word processor. You even get to select the settings before dragging the bookmarklet to your toolbar.<em> <a href="http://lab.arc90.com/experiments/readability" target="_blank">lab.arc90.com/experiments/readability</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Wayback Machine</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Ever surf to a page and notice something missing--that a controversial blog post has been pulled or the whole site has simply disappeared? Click the Wayback Machine bookmarklet to be transported to previous versions of that page, all courtesy of the Internet Archive.<em> <a href="http://www.archive.org/web/web.php" target="_blank">archive.org/web/web.php</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Lingro</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/19_lingro_622.jpg" width="622" height="328" /><br /><strong>Simultaneous translation, just like the UN.</strong><br /><br />The translation service Lingro.com offers two bookmarklets. The full-service one opens the page you’re viewing inside of Lingro.com, letting you click on any word to get a definition or translation. The quick-lookup version works the same but keeps you at the original URL and omits the full version’s toolbar.<em> <a href="http://lingro.com/docs/browser-tools.html" target="_blank">lingro.com/docs/browser-tools.html</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Linkify</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This one is a big time-saver for bloggers. You highlight text on a page, click the Linkify bookmarklet, and you’ll see a pop-up of Google search results for that string of text. You click a Create Link button by the webpage you want, and the text is now a hyperlink to that page. It’s great for linking up the names of people and places in your blog posts.<em> <a href="http://mattcutts.com/blog/linkify-the-best-bookmarklet-youre-not-using/" target="_blank">mattcutts.com/blog/linkify-the-best-bookmarklet-youre-not-using/</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Bit.ly</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>When you want to shorten a long URL for posting to Twitter, including in a blog comment or any other short-URL needs, just click the bit.ly bookmarklet to launch a new window with the URL all shortened and ready to go.<em> <a href="http://bit.ly/pages/tools" target="_blank">bit.ly/pages/tools</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Remove Bloat</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/20_bloat_622.jpg" width="622" height="312" /><br /><strong>Remove Bloat yanked the ads and video player off the MacLife.com home page for us. Oops.</strong><br /><br />Nothing’s more annoying than coming across a page with auto-playing music, obnoxious Flash-based ads, or other browser-slowing nonsense. Remove Bloat strips all that away with one click.<em> <a href="http://cybernetnews.com/cybernotes-the-best-bookmarklets-for-your-browser" target="_blank">cybernetnews.com/cybernotes-the-best-bookmarklets-for-your-browser</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Clip to Evernote</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Keeping track of all the information, links, images, and PDFs you want to save is easy with Evernote’s clipping-and-syncing service, which boasts Mac and iPhone apps (and Windows and Android and BlackBerry), along with the web app at Evernote.com. And the bookmarklet makes using Evernote even easier by adding selected text when you click it, or adding the whole page if you haven’t selected any text.<em> <a href="http://evernote.com/Login.action" target="_blank">evernote.com/Login.action</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Instapaper and Read It Later</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/21_instapaper_only.jpg" width="276" height="207" /><br /><strong>The pop-up lets you know Instapaper did its thing.</strong><br /><br />We can’t put one of these nearly identical services above the other. You sign up on the website, then drag the bookmarklet to your toolbar and click it when you’re on an interesting article or page that you want to keep to read later. Each service also has an iPhone app, a full-fledged Firefox extension, RSS feeds, Kindle integration, and more.<em><br /> <a href="http://instapaper.com/extras" target="_blank">instapaper.com/extras</a> </em><em>· </em><a href="http://readitlaterlist.com/bookmarklets" target="_blank"><em>readitlaterlist.com/bookmarklets</em></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>BugMeNot</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you don’t feel like signing up for your own account on a website, click the BugMeNot bookmarklet to log in anonymously with a public login and password created by the users of BugMeNot.com.<em> <a href="http://bugmenot.com">bugmenot.com</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Note in Reader</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Google Reader has social features that let you share articles from your RSS feeds with your contacts and comment on them. This bookmarklet extends that to the whole internet, letting you share any URL without having to subscribe to its RSS feed first.<em> <a href="http://googlereader.blogspot.com/2008/05/share-anything-anytime-anywhere.html" target="_blank">googlereader.blogspot.com/2008/05/share-anything-anytime-anywhere.html</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Map This</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>One of several useful Google bookmarklets, this one lets you select an address on the page you’re viewing and click to see that location pinpointed on Google Maps.<em> <a href="http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2007/07/useful-google-bookmarklets.html" target="_blank">googlesystem.blogspot.com/2007/07/useful-google-bookmarklets.html</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Remember the Milk</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/22_rtm_full.jpg" width="470" height="265" /><br /><strong>An easily updated to-do list is the best way to ensure you use it.</strong><br /><br />Versatile to-do service Remember the Milk has a handy bookmarklet that launches a Quick Add dialog for adding a new task to your to-do list.<em> </em><a href="http://rememberthemilk.com/help/answers/quickadd/firefox.rtm" target="_blank"><em>rememberthemilk.com/help/answers/quickadd/firefox.rtm</em></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/feature/57_ways_supercharge_your_browser?page=0,3"><em><strong>Next Page: iPhone and iPad Bookmarklets &gt;&gt;</strong></em></a></p><hr /><h2>iPhone and iPad Bookmarklets</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As awesome as they are in your desktop browser, you can also bring the power of bookmarklets to Mobile Safari on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The installation can be a little trickier on these devices, but the right set of bookmarklets can add functionality that the iPhone OS lacks and really soup up your mobile browsing.<br /><br />On your Mac, installing a bookmarklet is as simple as dragging it to your browser’s bookmarks toolbar. But since Mobile Safari doesn’t support such drag-n-droppery, you’ll need to work a little harder to get bookmarklets on your phone. The simplest way is syncing bookmarklets from a desktop version of Safari via iTunes. That works fine, but what happens when you come across something useful when your Mac is in another zip code? Thankfully, you can add bookmarklets directly on your device, though it is a little trickier.</p><p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/23_reorder_only.jpg" width="320" height="480" /><br /> <strong>Reorder your iPhone's bookmarks to put bookmarklets on top.</strong><br /><br />To save a bookmarklet in iPhone OS, you’ll need to navigate to the address where it is located and tap the Plus icon to create a new bookmark. For sites that allow you to generate customizable bookmarklets that don’t have a single address, we found the easiest way to install them was to copy/paste the bookmarklet code into an email that you then access on the phone, pasting it into a new bookmark. Often, you’ll need to slightly modify the bookmarklet before it will work by tapping the Bookmarks icon, tapping Edit, and choosing your newly saved bookmark. Usually it’s just a simple matter of removing some extraneous text from the Location field of the bookmark. And while bookmarklets are freely available all over the internet, you can also buy an app like Tap Factory’s WebToolbox ($0.99) to browse and install a large collection of bookmarklets.<br /><br />Once you’ve got your bookmarklets installed, using them on a device running iPhone OS is a snap. From a web page in Safari, just tap the Bookmarks icon and select the bookmarklet you want to activate. You might find it easier to collect all your bookmarklets in a single folder, or you can manually move them to the top of the Bookmarks list by tapping the Edit button and dragging them to a new location.</p><p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/25_read_only.jpg" width="320" height="480" /><br /><strong>You'll usually have to edit an iPhone bookmarklet to paste in the JavaScript.</strong><br /><br />To get you started with bookmarklets on the iPhone, here are a few of our favorites:<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/find-in-page/id349889817?mt=8" target="_blank"><strong>Find In Page</strong></a> is probably the most popular bookmarklet for iPhone OS--versions of it can be found with a simple Google search. Find In Page allows you to search text-heavy websites to quickly find the exact information you’re looking for. It’s so simple--and useful--that it points out a glaring hole in Mobile Safari’s functionality.</p><p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/24_findinpage_only.jpg" width="320" height="480" /><br /><strong>Find In Page adds text search that should have been in Mobile Safari in the first place.</strong><br /><br />Dictionary.com offers a trio of bookmarklets for quickly looking up words via <a href="http://dictionary.com" target="_blank"><strong>Dictionary.com</strong></a>, <a href="http://thesaurus.com" target="_blank"><strong>Thesaurus.com</strong></a>, and <a href="http://www.reference.com" target="_blank"><strong>Reference.com</strong></a>. Now you won’t have any excuse for misspelling <em>antidisestablishmentarianism</em> or not knowing a synonym for <em>adventitious</em>.<br /><br />Like its Mac counterpart, <a href="http://instapaper.com" target="_blank"><strong>Instapaper</strong></a> is one of our favorite tools for marking articles and websites to read later. There’s a dedicated iPhone app for reading your marked stories and a bookmarklet for use in Safari for tagging stories as you browse.<br /><br />Lots of iPhone Twitter clients support bookmarklets. Some of our favorites include <a href="http://www.atebits.com/tweetie-mac/" target="_blank"><strong>Tweetie</strong></a>, <a href="http://stone.com" target="_blank"><strong>Twittelator Pro</strong></a>, and <a href="http://iconfactory.com" target="_blank"><strong>Twitterific</strong></a>. All of them let you tweet links to whatever you’re currently reading with a single tap.<br /><br />As it does on the Mac, <a href="http://lab.arc90.com" target="_blank"><strong>Readability</strong></a> strips web pages down to the bare bones, which is even more of a relief on the iPhone’s screen. It’s a great tool for quickly removing images, styles, and other extraneous elements from articles online.<br /><br />The popular link-shortening service bit.ly offers a <a href="http://bit.ly" target="_blank"><strong>Shorten with Bit.ly</strong></a> bookmarklet that’s every bit as useful in iPhone OS as it is on your Mac. We like to use it for quickly firing off complicated links via text message, which are faster than email and show up to the recipient as instantly clickable links.<br /><br />And if these options don’t suit your needs, there are literally thousands more to choose from all over the web. If you need a truly custom solution, you can always roll up your sleeves and learn some JavaScript to create your own.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/feature/57_ways_supercharge_your_browser?page=0,4"><em><strong>Next Page: The Beginner's Guide &gt;&gt;</strong></em></a></p><hr /><h2>The Beginner's Guide</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Master the basics of extensions and bookmarklets in a flash. (No, not that Flash.)<br /><br /><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/17_addon_380.jpg" width="380" height="266" /><br /></strong>Before you install your first extensions and bookmarklets, take a minute to learn more about them and how they can help--or hinder--your surfing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>What are extensions, exactly?</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Extensions are small programs that run inside your browser to add to, replace, or improve its features. Because each browser has its own way of talking to extensions, an extension written for one browser won’t usually work with another.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>How do bookmarklets differ from extensions?</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p><p>Bookmarklets are small snippets of JavaScript that you can bookmark like normal URLs, and when you click on them, they perform an action on the page you have loaded instead of navigating you to a new page. Some of them duplicate the functions of browser extensions--Evernote, for example, has full-blown extensions for Safari, Firefox, and Chrome, but it also has a bookmarklet that does pretty much the same thing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Where can I get them?</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Download thousands of extensions from the official Firefox (<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/yr5dxm</a>) and Chrome (<a href="https://chrome.google.com/extensions/?utm_campaign=en&amp;utm_source=en-ha-na-us-sk-ext-ae&amp;utm_medium=ha" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/ygy8qkj</a>) websites. Safari extensions are fewer in number and a little harder to find, but sites like <a href="http://www.pimpmysafari.com" target="_blank">pimpmysafari.com</a> can make your search easier. For bookmarklets, try <a href="http://www.marklets.com" target="_blank">marklets.com</a>, <a href="http://www.pimpmysafari.com/bookmarklets" target="_blank">pimpmysafari.com/bookmarklets</a>, <a href="http://www.squarefree.com/bookmarklets" target="_blank">squarefree.com/bookmarklets</a>, or <a href="http://www.operawiki.info/BookMarklets" target="_blank">operawiki.info/BookMarklets</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Why aren't there as many extensions for Safari as there are for other browsers?</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Short answer: Steve likes it that way. The long answer is Firefox and Chrome come from a tradition of open-source software in which anyone is welcome to expand on a program’s features. Apple disagrees, but that hasn’t kept developers from bringing great extensions to Cupertino’s browser. Someday Apple may change its mind and make Safari easier to tinker with, but we’re not holding our breath.</p><p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/Chrome_extensions_screen.jpg" width="622" height="508" /><br /><strong>Chrome is highly extendable.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Are extensions and bookmarklets safe?</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Most are harmless and work as advertised. But as with any software, they can have security flaws that may be exploited for nefarious purposes. However, you’re less likely to encounter hackers and more likely to run into headaches over extension conflicts when two or more extensions interfere with each other’s functions.<br /><br />Your best bet is to download extensions and bookmarklets from trusted sources, check user comments before you download, and avoid being the first person to install one if you can help it. Be sure your browser and all extensions are updated to the latest version too. Updates not only bring you the latest and greatest features, they often plug security and compatibility holes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>How do I organize or turn them off?</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Firefox and Chrome offer extension-management tools that let you easily disable, uninstall, and update your extensions. In Firefox, select Tools &gt; Add-ons, and click the resulting window’s Extensions button to see which extensions are installed and alter their settings. To do the same in Chrome, select Window &gt; Extensions, and a list of your installed extensions will open in a new tab.<br /><br />Because Safari lacks this centralized approach, users must manage extensions individually, and that’s not always easy. Some Safari extensions can be turned off or uninstalled from within their preferences, but many require finding and deleting files in the Finder. The developer’s website or the Read Me files that came with the extension will usually offer specific instructions.<br /><br />If you don’t want to use a bookmarklet, simply don’t click it or just delete it from your bookmarks.</p><p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/05/Firefox_manager_screen.jpg" width="622" height="465" /><br /><strong>Manage your Firefox extensions from Tools &gt; Add-ons.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>How many can I install?</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>You can install as many extensions as you want, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. An active extension uses your Mac’s valuable RAM just like any application does. Running too many at once can lead to sluggish surfing or even crash your browser. And the more extensions you install, the greater the risk that some will conflict with each other. So read the developer’s notes and use common sense when adding bells and whistles to your browser. You probably don’t need to run half a dozen mouse-cursor managers all at once, for instance.<br /><br />On the other hand, bookmarklets work across more browsers, and opting to use them instead of installing an extension can keep your browser lighter and speedier. So go crazy with these bad boys.</p> <p><a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/feature/57_ways_supercharge_your_browser"><strong>Return to the main article.</strong></a></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/feature/57_ways_supercharge_your_browser#commentsadd-onsbookmarkletsbrowserchromeextensionsFirefoxSafaritricksFeaturesHow-TosThu, 27 May 2010 17:23:54 +0000Adam Berenstain, Susie Ochs, and Ray Aguilera6968 at http://www.maclife.com